PORTAGE, Wis. (WKOW) — Josie Roberts, a junior at Portage High School, is making history by winning a national FFA title in prepared public speaking on October 31.

Her speech, however, is more than just a competition piece. It highlights the critical issue of farmers' mental health, a topic deeply relevant to rural Wisconsin communities.

"Thirty years ago, a lifelong farmer, Jeff Ditzenberger, stood on his farm less than an hour and a half from my home and set a house on fire in an attempt to end his own life," Roberts said during her speech.

Ditzenberger, who survived the attempt, went on to establish TUGS, an organization dedicated to supporting farmers struggling with mental health.

In an interview on Wednesday, she told me what sparked the idea for the speech.

"I have never met hi

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